This list includes great foods that start with the letter H, from the American comfort food, hamburger, to the Cantonese Dim Sum classic, har gow.

Howdy!

How often do you sit down and think to yourself, what foods start with H?

How high has Helen heaved her heftiest haggis??

No one knows.

But here are foods that start with the letter H to satisfy your curiosity and help you make your own list for your next Halloween or Happy Holiday. (See what I did there?)

Have you heard about the Korean pancake, Hotteok?

How about the flavorful, edible berry called Hackberry?

Do you want to learn more about Hayashi Rice, a popular Japanese dish that’s made with beef, onion, and mushrooms cooked in a thick special sauce?

If your answers are yes, yes, and HELL yeah–then follow this epic list!

Not only that this compilation provides great foods starting with H to improve your food vocabulary, but it also showcases some interesting facts and includes recipes that you might want to add to your recipe repertoire.

We had some article series that feature foods that start with different letters (from A to Z), and today is a very special day as we’ve shared this newly updated list.

Happy H words!

Table of Contents

Foods That Start With The Letter H

1. Hamburger

Now, there’s a reason why hamburgers fare high on our list!

One of the most popular foods in the United States, hamburgers taste good, are easy to make, and are relatively inexpensive. I could go on with the list, but…

A hamburger, a round patty of ground beef fried or grilled, is typically served on a bun or roll and then garnished with many condiments.

We got this classic hamburger recipe for you.

2. Hazelnuts

You might have already chanced upon this well-known ingredient in a certain, popular spread.

Yes, THAT hazelnut!

Hazelnuts are nuts of any tree from the genus Corylus. They grow within protective husks and in clusters.

When hazelnuts ripen, they drop from the husks and onto the ground, where they can be harvested.

You can buy both in-shell and shelled hazelnuts at grocery stores.

3. Hoagie

The love for hoagies just keeps getting more apparent by the day.

Hoagies are submarine sandwiches filled with Italian meats and cheeses; other toppings are also popular in some restaurants.

Hoagies are similar to other sandwiches that have a variety of fillings tucked into a long roll, such as subs, heroes, and grinders, common around the country’s northeastern regions.

Have you ever seen the perfect hoagie? Well, (say no more.)

4. Hollandaise

Jets on holidays and chefs with hollandaise.

Ah, the lap of luxury. When will I be sitting next to you?

Hollandaise is one of the favorite sauces of chefs and culinary critics around the world.

It’s a rich, egg yolk-based sauce mixed with butter, emulsified with a hint of lemon juice; white wine vinegar is also used.

A dash of cayenne is also a popular ingredient.

Here’s one of my favorite recipes that takes advantage of the classic hollandaise sauce.

5. Hoecake

Okay, not that it needs some explaining, but why hoecake?

Hoecake, which is a coarse cake made of cornmeal, got its name from the slave practice of cooking it on fieldwork tools called hoes.

A popular cake among minimalists, a hoecake features a thin, unleavened round made from the simplest batter: cornmeal, water, salt, crisp at its edges, and golden in patches.

6. Hot dog

Sorry, hotdog, you’re going to have to settle for sixth place in our list.

Popular among kids and adults alike, a hot dog is a food that consists of dense pork, beef or turkey sausage.

Hot dogs have technically been cooked already when packaged in the supermarket, like a salami or pepperoni, but reheated by grilling, steaming, or boiling at home.

Hot dogs are usually served in a partially sliced bun.

So here’s the thing: Is a hot dog a sandwich? Discuss.

7. Ham

Uhmm, YUM?

Easily one of the most sought-after meats on every occasion, from holiday celebrations to a simple get-together, a ham is the hind leg of a hog.

Hams can be roasted, bone-in or out, akin to most other meat cuts. They can also be pre-cured and cooked in a variety of ways.

Did you know that there are many varieties of ham?

8. Hummus

Typically made by blending chickpeas (garbanzo beans), tahini (ground sesame seeds), lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic in a food processor, this famous Middle Eastern dip and spread deserves an award not only for its delicious taste but also for its versatility.

Curious how to make hummus? We’ve got it all laid out for you.

9. Hominy

Ever been to an authentic Mexican restaurant? If you’ve been to one, chances are you’ve come across hominy in its soups, stews, or casseroles.

Hominy is a food made from corn kernels that have been subjected to a chemical process which makes the grain more available for use in eating and cooking.

From pozole to black bean salad, here are a few recipes we curated that use hominy.

10. Huckleberry

No, not Huck in Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Tom Sawyer! I meant the real kind.

Huckleberries are real fruits. So real that they’re the state fruit of Idaho.

Edible and quite tasty, huckleberries are small, round berries that resemble blueberries. Their colors range from bright red to blue and dark purple.

11. Halibut

Halibut refers to a group of three species of large flatfish in the right-eye flounder family. They are known for their versatility in cooking as they can be baked, deep-fried, steamed, or grilled.

Now get your taste buds feasting on this scrumptious pan-seared halibut with lemon caper sauce recipe.

12. Honeydew

Could there be anything sweeter and juicier on a summer day than a fleshy honeydew melon?

The luscious fruit honeydew is the American name for the white Antibes, a variety of melon cultivated in Southern France and Algeria many centuries ago.

If you’ve got your eye on a couple of honeydew melons and want some recipes that use this yummy fruit, Food Network has you covered.

13. Haddock

Another important fish from the H crowd is haddock!

A member of the cod family famed for its mild flavor, a haddock comes with firm flesh and a moist texture.

Though used interchangeably with cod, it features a slightly sweeter taste, making it the best white fish for smoking.

Haddock filets are sold fresh, smoked, or frozen.

14. Hubbard squash

Hubba, hubba, hubbard squash!

Also known as “green pumpkin” or “buttercup,” a hubbard squash is a type of winter squash found in most countries around the world.

It can grow virtually anywhere, so long as there’s sunlight and a few months of warm weather.

Hubbard squash can be peeled and boiled, roasted, steamed, or sauteed. It can also be served as a side dish or used as a soup base or a pumpkin pie filling.

Talk about versatility!

Here are many ways to enjoy this squash.

15. Horseradish

Most widely used as a condiment, there are many reasons why horseradish is sought by many. At the top of the list is its taste!

Native to Russia and Hungary, horseradish (the prepared variety) is made with grated horseradish root, vinegar, and salt.

Horseradish is at its most flavorful when it is freshly grated. Now, how about some dill and horseradish potato salad.

16. Honey

If it tastes like honey….

Honey is a thick, golden liquid procured by some of the most industrious bees. Thank you, bees!

Touted as the world’s first sweetener, honey is made using the nectar of flowering plants, which is then saved inside the beehive for eating in times when food is scarce.

Now I don’t want to belabor the science behind it. But you get the drift, right? Honey is love.

17. Hushpuppy

What exactly is a hush puppy? Nope, not the shoe brand!

Hush puppies are small, deep-fried balls made from thick cornmeal-based batter.

While most cooks have already made their versions of the traditional hush puppies, these are mainly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Some variations on the hush puppies recipe include crab, shrimp and okra, and muffins.

18. Hotteok

Hotteok is a nostalgic, sweet, chewy, light pancake from Korea with an indulgent filling of chopped almonds, brown sugar, and cinnamon.

The dough is flattened in a griddle and then fried till golden brown and crisp on the outside while the filling transforms into a delicious, syrupy consistency.

19. Habanero Peppers

You can do so much with these chili peppers.

Make it a mainstay in your arsenal of hot sauces, or use it to season your go-to meals.

Spruce up a bowl of chili with some hot habanero pepper flakes, or try some delicious habanero pepper jelly on a cracker with a dab of cream cheese for a tasty snack.

20. Hoisin Sauce

Hoisin Sauce is a savory and sweet sauce that imparts an authentic Asian taste to noodle or stir-fry dishes, much like teriyaki sauce.

It’s versatile enough for meat coating or spring roll/egg roll dipping sauce.

21. Honey Crisp Apple

The Honey Crisp Apple, bred to be the most delicious and juicy of all red apples, is considered the best of its kind.

These tasty treats are a fan favorite because of the beautiful harmony between their tart and sweet flavors.

Smother a couple of slices in peanut butter, or eat them as a snack.

22. Hackberries

These berries, about the size of a pea, were a staple of traditional Native American cuisine.

Sweet and juicy, small red hackberries are often called “nature’s candy.”

23. Hot Cross Bun

In the 12th century, the tradition of making hot cross buns for Good Friday began.

Fruit, like raisins or candied fruit, is often incorporated, and they are sugary with a hint of nutty flavor from nutmeg and cinnamon with spicy, woodsy notes.

24. Haystack

Haystacks are a type of no-bake cookie made with fried chow mein noodles and peanuts that are covered in a combination of melted butterscotch chips and peanut butter.

The chow mein noodles make the cookie taste like a Pocky stick, while the peanuts lend substance and variety to the chewy cookie’s texture.

25. Hokkaido Cheese Tart

Mascarpone cheese, cream cheese, and parmesan cheese come together in the classic Asian Japanese dessert pastry known as Hokkaido cheese tart.

The tart’s cheese interior is smooth and creamy, and the crust is flaky and buttery.

26. Havarti Cheese

This mild white cheese is similar to Monterey Jack in flavor and texture.

The taste is rich and buttery, and it’s sometimes sweet.

In sandwiches, on charcuterie boards, or spread on crackers and serve with jam or olives, Havarti Cheese truly impresses.

27. Hunan Beef

In China, Hunan Beef is known for its smokiness and spiciness.

Locals flock there for the dry-smoked meat.

Incorporating peppers and fermented black beans in the wok give the beef a new lease on life, almost like beef jerky.

28. Hash Brown

Hash Browns, another American morning staple, are prepared by chopping potatoes and frying them until they are golden brown.

You may come up with different shapes, or you can fry a tiny pile of them.

Some people like to amp up their hash browns by mixing meat, peppers, or cheese.

29. Honey Cake

Honey Cake is a fluffy, moist, and delightful treat loaded with honey flavor.

A rich flavor and crisp, crumb, and caramelized edges make this a delectable dessert.

If you’re looking for a pudding-like dessert to round out a cozy meal or something special to serve your friends for afternoon tea, Honey cake is the key!

30. Honeycomb Candy

Honeycomb has the same stiff structure and crunchy feel as other toffee treats.

After the sugar and syrup mixture achieves the right temperature, baking soda is added to create beautiful bubbles that make the finished candy seem light and airy.

31. Hakka Noodles

Hakka Noodles taste very much like the lo mein you’d find at a Chinese restaurant.

They absorb a lot of flavors when used in stir fry, making even the most unappealing veggies palatable to picky eaters.

32. Haggis

Haggis, one of the finest representations of traditional Scottish food, is not particularly appetizing to look at, but its rich, meaty flavor, which some describe as nutty and earthy.

Haggis is a Scottish dish that resembles a savory pudding and is made with oats, onions, salt, pepper, and suet.

It was initially prepared on a sheep’s stomach, although these days, this dish is served in a synthetic sausage casing.

33. Herring

Herring is a mild-tasting, oil-rich little fish.

Pan-frying or grilling them brings out their full flavor.

Fresh Herring is readily available, as are canned and pickled varieties.

34. Hasselback Potatoes

Famous for their distinctive spiral shape and deliciously crisp exterior, baked potatoes like these are a crowd-pleaser.

These Hasselback Potatoes are spiced with salt and pepper and doused in an excellent, wonderful accompaniment to any meal.

35. Hamantaschen

Since Purim, a famous Jewish holiday, always falls in the early spring, Hamantaschen is a typical treat during this time of year.

Classic Hamantaschen fillings include prune, apricot, and poppy seed.

Hamantaschen are just a buttery biscuit with fruit, syrup, or jam sandwiched in the middle, so the flavor is quite simple.

36. Hijiki Salad

Hijiki is a type of seaweed found exclusively in Japan.

While the numerous veggies used to produce Hijiki Salad qualify it as a salad in the United States, in Japan, it is served cooked.

Hijiki Salad’s unique flavor comes from the harmony between the salty and sweet flavors of the salad dressing and the earthy note of the shredded seaweed.

37. Halwa

Halwa can have a variety of textures.

If made with flour, it has a dry, crumbly texture; while the one made with semolina, it has a more pudding-like consistency.

Halwa’s distinct texture is its denseness, which results from the butter and milk used in its preparation.

38. Hara Bhara Kabab

A classic Indian food, Hara-Bhara Kabab is a pan-fried cake made primarily of vegetables.

This cake is a vegan’s dream because it’s prepared with green peas, spinach, and potatoes.

Hara-Bhara Kabab has a crispy texture and an aromatic flavor from the vegetables that were baked into the cake.

39. Heart Cherries

You’ll adore the shape of this berry, which looks like a little red heart.

Compared to other types of cherry, heart cherries are a bit smaller and slightly tarter.

The red color and cute heart shape make them an ideal Valentine’s Day sweet.

40. Hasty Pudding

Hasty pudding is breakfast pudding, which seems like a soup made from different grains and cooked in milk or water.

This pudding is heavenly, with a buttery, subtly sweet flavor and a crunch from the grains.

41. Hard-Boiled Egg

Do you have some hard-boiled eggs in the fridge?

Yes?

Then you’re on your way to a delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

I always have a couple in the fridge, and I use them in everything from salads to spaghetti to the foundation for spicy horseradish deviled eggs.

42. Hot Fudge Sauce

Because it’s so decadent and delicious, the hot fudge recipe is a must-try.

This recipe is luscious, thick, and silky smooth, and it only requires a few ingredients that you probably already have on hand.

Its thickness makes it perfect for enjoying with Hot Fudge Sundae.

43. Haupia

In Hawaii, parties and celebrations aren’t complete without this chilled coconut pudding.

Coconut gives it a tropical flavor and a touch of sweetness.

The “hau” in haupia, which means “cool,” pertains to the pleasantly chill taste of coconut.

44. Hayashi Rice

If you’re in the mood for a hearty beef dish with a touch of Japanese flavor, try this Hayashi Rice recipe.

Tender beef, onions, and earthy mushrooms are braised in a sweet and sour sauce and served over Japanese short-grain rice to make a traditional Japanese stew known as Hayashi Rice.

This traditional Japanese dish has won the hearts of both young and old.

45. Hamburg Parsley

The root of the Hamburg Parsley plant can be consumed both raw and cooked.

It has the flavorful texture of a turnip and is shaped like a carrot.

Due to its powerful aroma, it enhances the flavor of any dish it’s added to.

46. Heirloom Tomato

All the various hues of Heirloom Tomatoes have different tastes.

The yellow ones are gentle on the tongue, while the red ones, true to their hue, are intense and bold.

Pasta with a sauce made from Heirloom Tomatoes is a classic Italian dish, but it can also be used as a sauce’s base when combined with olive oil and garlic

47. Halabos

The Filipino dish Halabos is famous for its use of shrimp.

Long, slow cooking in salted water brings out the shrimp or prawns’ delicious juices and turns them a reddish color.

Preparing it in fizzy drinks, which also add sweetness, is another technique to give the meal more personality.

48. Huevos Ranchero

This quick and easy Mexican breakfast meal will have you jumping out of bed in no time.

The traditional Mexican morning dish known as Huevos Rancheros (literally “rancher’s eggs”) consists of a corn tortilla topped with a fried or sunny-side-up egg and a generous helping of prepared salsa.

Some people like to add a dollop of sour cream to this simple and tasty Mexican breakfast to make it even heartier.

49. Hawaiian Pizza

Each slice of this pizza has layers of savory bacon and sweet, tangy pineapple held together by melty mozzarella cheese.

The sweet and salty toppings on a Hawaiian Pizza complement the crust’s crispiness beautifully.

50. Hangtown Fry

Finding more oysters to eat for breakfast will take any oyster fanatic to the Hangtown Fry.

Oysters in breading and bacon are the main ingredients in a Hangtown Fry.

Fancy veggies and spices of your choice can be added to the mix as well.

51. Horta

Horta is the ancient Greek term for the leafy greens that Greeks grow in their gardens and use in their cuisine.

These days, any greens will do for this classic vegetable dish.

They are steamed or cooked, then tossed with a lot of olive oil.

As a side dish, Horta pairs well with various meats and fish.

52. Husk Tomato

Husk Tomatoes, or tomatillos, are a staple ingredient in many traditional Mexican dishes.

A papery, thin husk encases the fruit and gives it its distinctive name.

Salsa verde relies heavily on Husk Tomatoes, but you may find them in various cuisines.

53. Halo-halo

Halo-halo is a popular shaved ice Filipino dessert.

The Filipino word “Halo-halo” literally translates to “mixed,” which is precisely what you have here.

Shaved ice filled with a combination of sweet beans, fruits, and other treats like leche flan and ube halaya, sprinkled with milk is a tasty way to beat the heat.

54. Hedgehog Slice

To clarify, there are no actual hedgehogs in this food.

There’s something magical about the combination of chocolate, cookies, and coconut.

It has a satisfying crunch, a sturdy texture, and a great chew, thanks to the ideal balance of ingredients.

55. Hot Sauce

These condiments gain a spicy kick from chili peppers, vinegar, and salt.

Putting some flare into your food is easy with hot sauce.

There are many different kinds and intensities of hot sauce to choose from.

You may swap and match to get the perfect combination.

56. Har Gow

In China, Har Gow is considered by many chefs to be the best dumplings available.

Har Gow is a shrimp dumpling encased in a thin layer of translucent skin and seasoned with sugar and salt.

The classic appeal of this dish lies in its divine simplicity.

When dipped in dumpling sauce or chili oil, this juicy dumpling becomes even more tasty and sweet, tickling the roof of your mouth with every bite.

And I’ve got you covered for the best sauces to put on dumplings too.

The bottom line

And here you have it–foods that start with the letter H!

It’s a lot of fun to learn about new foods and recipes, whether you’re just interested, trying to finish a list challenge, or making your way through the alphabet while you cook.

Have fun exploring all the delicious options that begin with the letter H.

Other Foods That Start With

56 Great Foods That Start With The Letter H

This list includes great foods that start with the letter H, from the American comfort food, hamburger, to the Cantonese Dim Sum classic, har gow.

Ingredients

Hamburger
Hazelnut
Hoagie
Hollandaise
Hoecake
Hot dog
Ham
Hummus
Hominy
Huckleberry
Halibut
Honeydew
Haddock
Hubbard Squash
Horseradish
Honey
Hush Puppy
Hotteok
Habanero Peppers
Hoisin Sauce
Honey Crisp Apple
Hackberries
Hot Cross Bun
Haystack
Hokkaido Cheese Tart
Havarti Cheese
Hunan Beef
Hash Brown
Honey Cake
Honeycomb Candy
Hakka Noodles
Haggis
Herring
Hasselback Potatoes
Hamantaschen
Hijiki Salad
Halwa
Hara Bhara Kabab
Heart Cherries
Hasty Pudding
Hard- Boiled Egg
Hot Fudge Sauce
Haupia
Hayashi Rice
Hamburg Parsley
Heirloom Tomato
Halabos
Huevos Ranchero
Hawaiian Pizza
Hangtown Fry
Horta
Husk Tomato
Halo-halo
Hedgehog Slice
Hot Sauce
Har Gaw

Instructions

Wondering what foods that start with the letter H?
Choose a food or recipe that sound good.
Leave us a message or share your thoughts on your socials!